At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community-led environmental initiatives and deliver ecological services.
- Company: Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, shaping a wilder future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and learning support.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact for wildlife while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for wildlife and strong community engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is shaping a wilder future for our counties, protecting special places, restoring habitats and inspiring people to act for nature. As part of the UK’s fastest-growing movement for nature’s recovery, we lead with passion, integrity and bold thinking. Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas matter, and you can help create lasting change for wildlife and people.
We are seeking a Community Ecologist Intern to join our cause. The Community Ecologist Intern will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of community-led environmental initiatives while contributing to the provision of ecological services to Team Wilder and a wide network of community-based environmental groups. Working at the intersection of conservation and community engagement, the postholder will help facilitate inclusive action that delivers meaningful ecological outcomes. This position targets individuals new to the environmental sector, with a strong emphasis on promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
What you’ll be doing:
- Through a structured and supportive environment, you’ll gain valuable, hands-on paid experience including practical ecological work such as habitat assessment and species monitoring.
- You’ll develop skills in community engagement, partnership working, and project delivery.
- You’ll have opportunities to build knowledge of conservation practices and contribute to initiatives that empower communities to take action for nature.
About you:
- You’ll have a passion to help wildlife and support our mission for nature to thrive.
- You’ll be approachable and have a friendly manner, be empathetic and culturally sensitive with communities and partners you support.
- You’ll have high standards of professional and personal integrity and values that align to the Trust’s.
Wild About Inclusion!
As an inclusive employer we recognise that our workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector, including people from black, Asian, minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
Disability Confident. We are proudly a Disability Confident Committed employer. The scheme is helping us recruit and retain great people to meet our workforce needs. As a member of the scheme, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.
Benefits. We offer a wide range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave allowance, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning and development support, 24-hour access to our employee assistance programme, discounted staff travel with our corporate partners Wightlink (subject to T&Cs), free parking at our sites and more.
Closing date: 01 June 2026
Interviews: 11 June 2026
Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton employer: The Wildlife Trust
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a wilder future through community engagement and conservation efforts. As a Community Ecologist Intern, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth, offering hands-on experience in ecological practices while promoting equity and inclusion. With competitive benefits, including generous leave and development support, you'll be part of a passionate team making a meaningful impact on wildlife and local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those connected to community initiatives. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can help you land that Community Ecologist Intern role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for wildlife! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers or at networking events, share your experiences and enthusiasm for conservation. Let them know why you care about making a difference in the community and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's projects and values. Familiarise yourself with their community-led initiatives and think of ways you can support their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to jump in!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets to the right people. Plus, keep an eye on our site for any upcoming opportunities that match your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature:Make sure to express your enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference and supporting our mission for nature to thrive.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Community Ecologist Intern. We love seeing how you can contribute to our cause.
Be Yourself:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique experiences and perspectives, especially those that demonstrate your empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with communities.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Conservation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in conservation and community engagement. Familiarise yourself with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's projects and values, as this will show your genuine interest and commitment to their mission.
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for wildlife and environmental issues shine through. Share personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your dedication to conservation and how you’ve engaged with communities in the past.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since the role focuses on equity, diversity, and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values. Think of examples where you've worked with diverse groups or promoted inclusivity in your previous experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the Trust’s initiatives. This not only shows your interest but also helps you understand how you can fit into their team and contribute effectively to their goals.
